Experts Flock to Peoria for Latest in Breast Cancer Research

Experts Flock to Peoria for Latest in Breast Cancer Research

PEORIA - Medical professionals from around the world are here in central Illinois to uncover the latest in breast cancer research.

PEORIA - Medical professionals from around the world are here in central Illinois to uncover the latest in breast cancer research. This weekend, the Peoria Civic Center is the hub for breast cancer research. Nearly 250 medical leaders are here to share what's next in the battle for the cure. "We’ve discussed ways to deliver chemotherapy drugs right to the cancer cell. Also ways to make detection of even smaller breast cancers more evident." Research is making strides says Denise Mammolito, professor of clinical surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. She says progress is evident. "We talked about DNA sequencing and how we can target different types of chemotherapy,” said Mammolito. “We also talked about nanotechnology and very small particle that can be used to treat cancer and diagnose." Breast cancer fatalities have declined over the years. A lot of the progress can be attributed to awareness and funding, including from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which helped bring the event to Peoria. "It's desirable to imagine life without breast cancer,” she says. “We're not at the point where we have a vaccine for it or we can prevent 100 percent, buts there's a lot of things on the horizon that are encouraging." Experts predict an increase of cancer diagnosis with an aging generation. According to Mammolito, an emphasis on lifestyle changes is helping and research shows lower chances of getting breast cancer with healthier eating habits and less alcohol intake.

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